Football fans have challenged Samuel Eto’o to move decisively beyond administrative turbulence and focus on deep, meaningful restructuring of the national football ecosystem following his reelection as President of the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT.
The call for reform was amplified on November 29 in Yaounde, shortly after Eto’o secured a new four-year term. Running unopposed, the football legend received 85 of 87 delegate votes, an overwhelming 97.7 percent approval rating, extending his mandate until 2029. His victory was overseen by representatives from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, CAF.
Following his re-election, fans across the nation urged Eto’o to use his renewed mandate to fundamentally reconcile, restructure, and reform the country’s ailing football landscape. Many believe Eto’o’s first mandate, which began in December 2021, has not matched his ambitious promises.
While his initial election in 2021 was seen as a pivotal change, Eto’o’s first term was often characterised by administrative turmoil and public dissatisfaction over the state of local leagues and national team management. Fans across the nation urged the football legend to use his renewed mandate to focus on reconciliation, reform, and fundamentally addressing the ailing football landscape.
“Eto’o must prioritise deep-seated change—from grassroots development and financial transparency to improving the domestic championship—to restore the glory and potential of Cameroonian football during his mandate,” said Samson, a seasoned fan.
Merc Lo’o, another supporter, expressed tempered congratulations. “I am sure that when he looks at his first mandate, he is not happy. A lot of things went wrong, and he needs to step up. Not everything is done with power… but with wisdom. Let him apply wisdom and look at the dying situation of Cameroonian football.”
Some fans acknowledge innovations brought in by Eto’o, such as resolving national team match allowance problems. However, critics argue that the domestic league and national team performances have been a “shadow of themselves”.
Brian, a fan, pointed out that the effort to institute salaries for domestic league players has not fully succeeded. “Despite instituting player salaries for domestic league players, players are still suffering, going for months without salaries. Grassroots development and youth football, which is the backbone of a strong football nation, are in a shambles. He needs to put in more effort during this new mandate.”
Eto’o’s next term is set to revolve around four primary objectives. He aims to restore values within the national team, enhance the Lion brand’s appeal, boost the competitiveness of local leagues, and reinforce the autonomy of FECAFOOT.
In the lead-up to the Elective General Assembly, administrative issues from the Ministry of Sports nearly disrupted the event. However, The Post could not confirm at press time whether the ministry’s representative attended the assembly.
Eto’o first took office in 2021, succeeding Seidou Mbombo Njoya after garnering 43 of 74 votes. As he begins his second term, the immediate challenge will be to translate his overwhelming electoral support into tangible improvements and stability for Cameroon’s beloved national sport.